Anti-Muslim Hostility Definition
The UK government’s non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim hostility was published on the 9th March 2026 and is the following:
Anti-Muslim hostility is intentionally engaging in, assisting or encouraging criminal acts – including acts of violence, vandalism, harassment, or intimidation, whether physical, verbal, written or electronically communicated – that are directed at Muslims because of their religion or at those who are perceived to be Muslim, including where that perception is based on assumptions about ethnicity, race or appearance.
It is also the prejudicial stereotyping of Muslims, or people perceived to be Muslim including because of their ethnic or racial backgrounds or their appearance, and treating them as a collective group defined by fixed and negative characteristics, with the intention of encouraging hatred against them, irrespective of their actual opinions, beliefs or actions as individuals.
It is engaging in unlawful discrimination where the relevant conduct – including the creation or use of practices and biases within institutions – is intended to disadvantage Muslims in public and economic life.
Purpose of the AMH Definition
A clear definition can help to provide a shared language to describe the distinct forms of hostility many Muslims face across different settings.
A definition can also serve as a tool for government and organisations to better understand, measure, prevent and address anti-Muslim hostility – whether empowering people to report incidents, informing staff training and guidance, enhancing education, or facilitating more effective and consistent policy responses and support.
